plate no. 0403

Two Blue Horses

Franz Marc, 1913

oilExpressionismanimal paintinghorsesanimalsmountainsskyabstractfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using color expressively. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the horses and the mountain background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: yellow for the sky, blue for the mountains and horses, and a neutral tone for the background.
step 03
Begin layering darker blues and blacks to define the forms of the horses and create shadows.
step 04
Add lighter tones to the horses to suggest highlights and volume.
step 05
Introduce the patterned background details with a small brush, using reds and browns.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add details to the horses' features.
step 07
Add final touches of color and texture to create depth and interest.
step 08
Outline the composition with a dark color to add definition.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Black

secondary · Burnt Sienna · Titanium White · Ultramarine Blue

Mix Prussian Blue with a touch of black to create the darker blues. Use Yellow Ochre straight from the tube for the sky. Mix white with blue to create lighter shades for the horses.

techniques

·Dry brushing
·Layering
·Color mixing
·Simplifying forms
·Expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too much water (if using watercolor)
→Creating muddy colors
→Losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes

materials

surface · Watercolor paper 140lb or stretched canvas

required

·Watercolor paper or canvas
·Prussian Blue paint
·Yellow Ochre paint
·Black paint
·Burnt Sienna paint
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Flat brushes (various sizes)

optional

·Palette knife
·Medium (for oil paints)
·Rags

Using a textured surface will enhance the visible brushstrokes. Consider using heavy body acrylics or oil paints for a similar effect to the original.

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